SD Councilman Alvarez Appoints 19 to Group to Create Jobs, Support Small Business

Councilman and mayoral candidate David Alvarez named 19 supporters to a business advisory group on Wednesday that he says will help create middle-class jobs and support small businesses.

The group is co-chaired by lobbyist and public affairs specialist Nancy Chase and Mel Katz, who led the drive to fund construction of the new Central Library. Others include former basketball star Bill Walton, Port of San Diego Commissioner Rafael Castellanos, Civic San Diego director Laurie Black and lawyer Omar Passons.

"As mayor, I will bring together business, labor and community partners to create an economic development plan that spurs growth and trains San Diegans for good-paying, middle-class jobs of the future," Alvarez said.

Pete Garcia, a principal at I.D.E.A Partners, which creates partnerships between business and community leaders, said Alvarez thinks "outside the box" and will push for creative ways to increase opportunities for business development and job creation.

The group will advise Alvarez during the lead-up to his Feb. 11 runoff against City Council colleague Kevin Faulconer, and while he's mayor if he wins.